Limited Test Ban Treaty

Provisions
The [Limited] Test Ban Treaty of 1963 prohibits nuclear weapons tests "or any other nuclear explosion" in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water. While not banning tests underground, the Treaty does prohibit nuclear explosions in this environment if they cause "radioactive debris to be present outside the territorial limits of the State under whose jurisdiction or control" the explosions were conducted.

Status
Efforts to negotiate an international agreement to end nuclear tests began in the U.N. Disarmament Commission in May 1955. The Limited Test Ban Treaty was initialed on 25 July 1963 and formally signed at Moscow on 05 August 1963. The Treaty is of unlimited duration.

Documents
Primary documents, including treaty text and associated memoranda, statements and other related material, as well as official factsheets, announcements, briefings speeches and other related material.